What are your overall thoughts on the Gambling Regulation Bill now that it has been passed?
Sharon Byrne: The IBA welcomes the passing of the Gambling Regulation Bill as a critical advancement in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for Ireland’s gambling industry. Having advocated for legislative reform for many years, we are pleased to see a robust foundation laid for consistent, safe and transparent gambling practices. While we commend the Bill’s achievements, we believe certain sections could benefit from fine-tuning, to ensure the legislation remains both effective and practical without inadvertently pushing customers towards the black market. We look forward to working with the Authority to find a solution that suits all stakeholders and further enhances the effectiveness of the Bill.
Georgina Parkinson: Although the Gambling Regulation Act has been passed and signed into law by the President, it has not yet been formally commenced by Ministerial order, which is required for it to take legal effect. Primarily, the legislation proposed is considerably more equipped for the digital world and the significance of online gaming and gambling. It introduces a comprehensive licensing framework, which will be easier for businesses to navigate. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be responsible for enforcing and supervising the sector, as well as providing guidance, resources and regulations. The significant budget allocated to the GRAI suggests they will hit the ground running. However, understanding what is and isn’t allowed in terms of advertising may pose a challenge to businesses due to the significant overhaul of advertising regulation.
How important is the establishment of Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland?
SB: The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is vital. A well-resourced, fit-for-purpose Authority is essential to ensure that the legislation is implemented consistently across the sector. The Authority will uphold high standards of safety and integrity, promoting public trust while supporting the industry’s sustainability. We look forward to supporting the Authority’s work and providing any assistance needed to help refine sections of the Bill, to keep the regulatory landscape effective and adaptable.
GP: The GRAI, which is dedicated specifically to gambling, is a very significant new development for Ireland. The GRAI will fulfil a one-stop shop for the roles in Ireland, whereas previously these were not consolidated. It will also manage complaints, boost public awareness, issue guidance, standards and codes of practice, as well as aid in efforts against problem gambling.
In regard to reducing problem gambling, how pleased are you to see the creation of a Social Impact Fund and the establishment of the National Gambling Exclusion Register?
Social Impact Fund and the National Gambling Exclusion Register. The Social Impact Fund will continue the important work done by The Gambling Awareness Trust, which had been funded by contributions from the industry and will enable valuable programs for awareness, education and support services to continue and grow.
These measures underscore a strong commitment to safer gambling in Ireland, and we look forward to seeing them implemented in ways that remain both practical and impactful
GP: The creation of the Social Impact Fund and the National Gambling Exclusion Register is a significant development in Ireland and mirrors an approach taken in a number of other jurisdictions. To be successful, it will be critical that both the Social Impact Fund and National Gambling Exclusion Register are properly established; and that communications with impacted individuals will be properly managed, and the fund is allocated to appropriate projects and activities.
Can you see more remote operators being attracted to the Irish market with the introduction of remote gaming and remote lottery licensing?
SB: Yes, the introduction of remote gaming and lottery licensing is likely to attract more operators to Ireland. A clear, structured licensing framework brings predictability and transparency, appealing to responsible operators. However, it’s essential that the standards outlined in the Bill remain practical and balanced to maintain a competitive market that encourages regulated operators to enter, and discourages any shift toward unregulated alternatives.
We believe the Authority will play a significant role in monitoring these outcomes
GP: There has been a remote gambling regime in Ireland under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, but it only covered part of the sector, whereas now there is a clearer framework about how to engage in other activities on a remote basis. However, while this change in structure has been introduced, the risk associated with doing business in Ireland has also increased regulation and the impact on the market remains to be seen. We are seeing a lot of interest from clients willing to explore options available to them.
Do you think the banning of inducements and the maximum stake/ maximum winnings limits will drive people to the black market?
SB: The IBA supports measures aimed at consumer protection, particularly where they help prevent harmful gambling behaviours. That said, it is crucial that these restrictions are carefully implemented to avoid inadvertently steering customers towards unregulated, blackmarket operators, where protections do not exist. For maximum stake and winnings limits, as well as inducement bans, a balanced approach is essential to keep the regulated market safe and accessible to consumers. The Authority will have the benefit of access to real-time data and statistics, which will help to inform their decisions. We look forward to working with the Authority to find a solution that suits all parties, ensuring protections remain strong without unintended consequences.
GP: It is possible. However, when the GRAI start issuing guidance and codes of practice, it is my opinion that the situation will be clearer. In relation to inducements, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 states that a licensee may not offer a person or specific group of persons an inducement. There has been a lot of industry speculation on the legislation, and we presume the GRAI will monitor this carefully. While the maximum stake and maximum winnings limits do appear to be quite restrictive, the GRAI has the power to amend and adjust the amounts while having regard to the number of gaming and lottery licenses in force, the impact of gambling activities on society in general and the potential impact of any variation on gambling activities generally.
A lot has been said about the impact measures, such as the advertising watershed, will have on horseracing in Ireland. What are your thoughts on this?
SB: The IBA acknowledges the importance of the advertising watershed in protecting vulnerable groups, especially young people, from excessive exposure to gambling advertising. However, it is also critical to consider the unique relationship between advertising and the horseracing industry. It is a core part of Ireland’s economy and cultural heritage, with a predominantly adult-based audience. While the watershed policy is well-intended, a careful balance is needed to ensure that it does not unintentionally disrupt an entire industry or encourage consumers toward less-regulated alternatives.
GP: It is challenging to provide an opinion without seeing the watershed in action; however, how this will work in practice remains to be seen from the guidance that will be issued by GRAI. The GRAI under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 has many rights and powers and that can include providing guidance over TV appearances and sponsorships at an event such as a racecourse.
Overall, what do you believe the Bill has got right, as well as what it could have done better?
SB: The Bill has introduced essential measures that the IBA strongly supports, such as establishing a strong regulatory authority, advancing consumer protection and providing guidelines for the sector. The creation of the Social Impact Fund and the National Gambling Exclusion Register are significant achievements. However, certain aspects of optimisation to remain effective and practical, without driving consumers to unregulated markets.
We look forward to working with the Authority to find a solution that suits all, and ensures the legislation remains adaptable, effective and keeping pace with industry developments
GP: The Bill could benefit from optimisation to remain effective and practical, without driving consumers to unregulated markets. We look forward to working with the Authority to find a solution that suits all, and ensures the legislation remains adaptable, effective and keeping pace with industry developments. The Bill is now an Act albeit not yet in force. It is my opinion that the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 has been effective in its establishment of a regulator. It also provides a comprehensive licensing framework which should make it easier to transact business in Ireland. In terms of areas that could have been better addressed, concerns have been expressed around the maximum stake and maximum winnings limits, and how they work in practice. Further clarification is certainly needed to alleviate some concerns, which may impact the level of business activity in Ireland.